# How to Request Child Custody Evaluation in Idaho **Table of Contents***[*SHOW*]* 1. What Is a Child Custody Evaluation? 2. When Is a Custody Evaluation Requested? 3. Idaho Law on Custody Evaluations 4. How to Request a Custody Evaluation 5. What Happens After You Request It? 6. Who Pays for the Evaluation? 7. What the Evaluator’s Report Includes 8. How Much Weight Does It Carry? 9. Important Considerations Before Requesting One 10. A Strategic Approach 11. The Bottom Line When custody is disputed, and concerns go beyond simple disagreements, a judge may need more than just each parent’s version of events. That’s where a child custody evaluation comes in. In Idaho, a custody evaluation is a deeper, more structured review of a child’s situation, often used when there are concerns about parenting ability, conflict, or the child’s well-being. To request a child custody evaluation in Idaho, you need to**file a motion with the court and formally request the evaluation.**If you need representation during this process, a [Boise child custody lawyer](https://www.brownfamilylaw.com/boise-id/child-custody-lawyer/) can help. ## What Is a Child Custody Evaluation? A child custody evaluation is an investigation conducted by a neutral professional. This evaluator may be: - A licensed psychologist - A social worker - Another court-approved expert Their job is to: - Assess each parent’s ability to care for the child - Evaluate the child’s needs - Make recommendations to the court about custody and parenting arrangements These evaluations often include: - Interviews with both parents - Interviews with the child (if age-appropriate) - Observations of parent-child interactions - Review of records (school, medical, counseling, etc.) The goal is to give the judge a clearer, more objective picture. Get Clear Guidance for Your Divorce [Schedule a Consultation](https://www.brownfamilylaw.com/contact-us/) ## When Is a Custody Evaluation Requested? Not every custody case requires an evaluation. They are typically requested when: - Parents strongly disagree about custody - There are allegations of abuse, neglect, or substance use - One parent questions the other’s fitness - The child has special needs or complex circumstances - High conflict is making decision-making difficult In simpler cases, courts may rely on mediation or standard evidence instead. A Calmer, Clearer Way Through Divorce [Talk to Our Team](https://www.brownfamilylaw.com/contact-us/) ## Idaho Law on Custody Evaluations Under [Idaho Code § 32-717](https://legislature.idaho.gov/statutesrules/idstat/title32/t32ch7/sect32-717/), courts decide custody based on the best interests of the child. To make that determination, the court has the authority to: - Order investigations - Appoint professionals - Consider expert recommendations This is the legal basis for custody evaluations in Idaho. ![Brown Law Logo](https://www.brownfamilylaw.com/wp-content/themes/brown-family-law/assets/app/img/logo-white.png) Support Through Your Toughest Transition [Call ![call-arrow](https://www.brownfamilylaw.com/wp-content/themes/brown-family-law/assets/app/svg/cta-call.svg)801-685-9999](tel:+18016859999) ## How to Request a Custody Evaluation There are a few ways to request a custody evaluation in Idaho. ### 1. File a Motion With the Court The most direct way is to file a formal motion. This motion should: - Request a custody evaluation - Explain why it is necessary - Outline any concerns about the child’s well-being or parenting issues The court will review your request and decide whether an evaluation is appropriate. ### 2. Request It During an Existing Case If you are already involved in: - A divorce - A custody case - A modification proceeding You can raise the request as part of that case. This may happen: - During a hearing - Through written filings - With the assistance of your attorney ### 3. The Court May Order It on Its Own Even if neither parent requests it, a judge can order a custody evaluation if they believe: - More information is needed - The child’s best interests require it ## What Happens After You Request It? If the court approves the request, it will: - Appoint an evaluator or approve a selected professional - Define the scope of the evaluation - Set timelines and expectations - Determine the fee payment split The evaluator will then begin gathering information and preparing a report. ## Who Pays for the Evaluation? Custody evaluations can be expensive. In Idaho, the court may: - Split the cost between both parents - Assign the cost to one parent - Allocate costs based on financial circumstances This is often addressed in the court’s order. ## What the Evaluator’s Report Includes At the end of the process, the evaluator provides a written report. This typically includes: - Observations about each parent - Assessment of the child’s needs - Analysis of family dynamics - Recommendations for custody and parenting time The judge considers this report, but is not required to follow it exactly. ## How Much Weight Does It Carry? Custody evaluations can carry significant weight. Judges often rely heavily on: - Professional assessments - Neutral observations - Structured recommendations However, the report is just one piece of evidence. The court still considers: - Testimony - Other evidence - Legal standards under Idaho law ## Important Considerations Before Requesting One A custody evaluation can be helpful, but it’s not always the right move. Things to consider: - Cost and time involved - Emotional impact on the child - Whether the issues truly require expert evaluation In some cases, less formal solutions like mediation may be more appropriate. ## A Strategic Approach Requesting a custody evaluation is not just a procedural step; it’s a strategic decision. It can: - Strengthen your case if there are legitimate concerns - Provide clarity in high-conflict situations But it can also: - Prolong the case - Increase costs - Introduce additional scrutiny on both parents ## The Bottom Line In Idaho, you can request a child custody evaluation by filing a motion or raising the issue during your case. The court will decide whether the evaluation is necessary based on the child’s best interests. These evaluations can play a major role in custody decisions, but they should be used thoughtfully. If you would like to learn more or discuss your situation, contact Brown Family Law to schedule a consultation. Child Custody Blog Posts: [![What to Know About Child Custody Orders](https://www.brownfamilylaw.com/wp-content/uploads/what-to-know-about-child-custody-orders-300x200.jpg)](https://www.brownfamilylaw.com/blog/what-to-know-about-child-custody-orders/) ### [What to Know About Child Custody Orders](https://www.brownfamilylaw.com/blog/what-to-know-about-child-custody-orders/) Getting divorced can be a stressful and life altering path for the adults involved, but what if there are children to [![There Are Many Reasons for a Child Custody Battle](https://www.brownfamilylaw.com/wp-content/uploads/there-are-many-reasons-for-a-child-custody-battle-300x200.jpg)](https://www.brownfamilylaw.com/blog/there-are-many-reasons-for-a-child-custody-battle/) ### [There Are Many Reasons for a Child Custody Battle](https://www.brownfamilylaw.com/blog/there-are-many-reasons-for-a-child-custody-battle/) When it comes to matters of child custody, there are many reasons why parents are unable to get along. Sometimes, each [![Arguments That Promote Co-Parenting](https://www.brownfamilylaw.com/wp-content/uploads/arguments-that-promote-co-parenting-300x200.jpg)](https://www.brownfamilylaw.com/blog/arguments-that-promote-co-parenting/) ### [Arguments That Promote Co-Parenting](https://www.brownfamilylaw.com/blog/arguments-that-promote-co-parenting/) Co-parenting after a divorce simply refers to the way that both parents can be active in raising a child, even if they [![Child Custody and Doing What’s Best for Your Children](https://www.brownfamilylaw.com/wp-content/uploads/child-custody-and-doing-whats-best-for-your-children-300x200.jpg)](https://www.brownfamilylaw.com/blog/child-custody-and-doing-whats-best-for-your-children/) ### [Child Custody and Doing What’s Best for Your Children](https://www.brownfamilylaw.com/blog/child-custody-and-doing-whats-best-for-your-children/) Divorce is difficult on all parties involved, especially children. They don't often understand what is going on. And in --- Source: https://www.brownfamilylaw.com/faqs/how-to-request-a-child-custody-evaluation-in-idaho/